Volunteering opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds

Starting in the summer holidays, we offer a limited number of volunteering opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds (Year 11 students, soon to start Year 12).

These are unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience within our three hospital settings. The volunteering programme is a long-term commitment, with a minimum commitment of 100 hours alongside studies. The programme begins in the summer holidays of school year 11 through to the end of school year 13. Volunteer shifts are usually 3 or 4 hours long.

For 16 year olds; we have opportunities Monday – Friday, between 8am and 4pm on one of our Trolley Service’s, in the Endoscopy Unit, and at the Volunteer Guides’ desk.

At age 17, students have the opportunity to move on to a ward in a Ward Befriender role, Monday – Sunday, between 8am and 8pm.

How to apply

Applications for our summer 2025 programme are now closed.

There will be further opportunities for applicants aged 16 and 17 (year 12 students) to apply to join MY Volunteering team in September 2025. Please look out for more information.

Our summer 2025 programme volunteer recruitment day will be held on Friday 30 May, between 10am — 3pm

Those who have previously applied will be informed during the week beginning 5 May if they have been successful or not. Successful applicants will recieve an invitation to attend the recruitment day.

The purpose of the recruitment day is mutually benefical for applicants and the Volunteer team at our Trust, where there will be oppourtunity to discuss volunteering at our Trust and the expectations of sutiable candidates.

Information given on application forms, references, and interaction on the day will be used to select the most suitable volunteers.

In order to take part in the programme you must be avaliable for 3-4 hours, between Monday — Friday, 8am — 4pm. Please state your avaliable window clearly on your application form.

Please note that the Trust adheres to guidance for dress code.As a volunteer this means you will be provided with a uniform top and asked to bring your own shoes and skirt/ trousers to wear at the hospital.The dress code also includesa policy of short nails with no nail polish/ false nails.
The Trust adheres to a bare below the elbow (BBE) guidance in all clinical areas - short sleeves with exposed forearms. BBE applies to all colleagues, including volunteers, when they enter a clinical area. Please note that Ward Befrienders volunteer in clinical areas, therefore this guidance applies to them.

What others have said

My volunteering experience has been going well and has fit well around my studies. My ambition is to continue to gain communication skills by talking with patients, which can really benefit and aid my future ambition path to go into the medical field. I would definitely recommend volunteering at Mid Yorks - Mia

On the first day I was quite nervous but when I met the other volunteers I instantly knew I would love it. They answered all my questions and explained everything, they were very friendly. The team co-ordinator arranged training for me over the school holidays and have helped me choose the best time during the weekend to volunteer. I would recommend volunteering at Mid Yorks. - Anna

I would certainly recommend volunteering at Mid Yorks. The staff are quick and efficient in getting you situated, and it is a genuinely wonderful way to make a difference in the days of those who feel vulnerable, even if that is by serving them tea or simply talking to them. In the future, I aspire to work in healthcare as a doctor or a nurse, so volunteering is a reliable and effective way to get insight into how hospitals and wards work, as well as allowing me to interact with patients and offer up a way to improve their day when life may feel a little bleak for them. I would certainly recommend volunteering at Mid Yorks. - Sienna

My volunteering experience has been great so far. I feel like I have settled in quickly and well, and all of the staff have been extremely helpful. It has fit in really well around college. My ambition is to study medicine in university, where I can then go on to work in a hospital. I would recommend volunteering at Mid Yorks as it a very friendly place, and a great opportunity to have. - Alistair

My ambitions are to give back to the community, by utilising my skills to provide care and aid to patients. I aspire to go into the nursing route, as I am highly passionate with child care. I would recommend volunteering at Mid Yorks, to those who want to have a feel in the health sector, and to those who are wanting to use their skills for the betterment of their healthcare environment. - Afeefah